Wear hearing protection -- The best hearing protection device is one that you can wear correctly. Whether you choose earplugs or earmuffs, look for something that offers an airtight seal. Wear hearing protection around loud sounds, even when doing everyday tasks such as mowing the lawn.

Be aware of noise -- Whenever you can, turn down the volume on radios, TVs or speakers. Because of noise, if you can't hear or be heard by someone within 3 feet, the noise is too loud.

Be cautious with headphones -- If you're using headphones and the person next to you can hear what you're listening to, the noise is too loud.

Give your ears a rest -- Alternate noisy and quieter activities. In addition to the intensity, how long you're exposed to a noise can affect hearing loss. In fact, noise that ranks lower on the decibel scale, but continues for a longer period of time, may actually be more harmful than a high-intensity noise that's intermittent.